I guess it is tradition.  At least for the last two years, Mercy Street has hosted a crawfish boil celebration in appreciation for their mentors, volunteers, and donors.  Living Stones, and The Men’s Class were invited – so some of us went.  It is always great fun.

This year it was held at Mercy Street on Holystone.  This setting is beautiful with a creek running behind the property.

Be still my heart!    It was wonderful.  Fairy lights (I love, love, love fairy lights.) were strung.

Street lights were set up to complete the look.  Emily and her helpers know how to throw a party.

Would you believe – live music fro New Orleans?  It was great!

We certainly felt we were in the French Quarter with our plates full of crawfish, dirty rice, and boiled potatoes and corn.  Yummy!

It gets even better.  To complete the meal there were beignets.  Wow!

It is a blessing to get to meet and visit with other people who give of their time, talents, and money to Mercy Street.

Dan is a volunteer coach for a boy’s baseball team.  You could tell he enjoyed coaching the boys, and understood the challenges they experience.

Be still my heart!  Beau was the cutest, most polite young man.   (I think he is in his late twenties.)  Just look at those dimples!  He has mentored at Mercy Street for the past two years.  The young man he mentors is called “Bone Crusher”.  His is in the fifth grade, already six foot tall, and a presence on the football field.  “Bone Crusher” also does not have a male figure in his home.  Beau tries to be involved with his student and provide a male influence.  Meeting these two men made my day.  They are giving back and trying to make a difference in young men’s lives.

I also met Johnny for the first time.  He is the sports coordinator for Mercy Street.  Fantastic young man!  He and his sweet family were so excited that they had recently moved into the neighborhood. The commitment and love for the Lord by the staff and volunteers is amazing.

Every time I read this mission statement from Mercy Street my heart is blessed.  These people are helping to restore this community.

This year the storms came (lightening and threats of tornados), and we had to move inside.  We didn’t get to have the program that we had last year.  I am sure all of the volunteers felt they have their rewards just by getting to be a part of Mercy Street.

Blessings to you and yours,